Painting Outside the Lines
Sujata Tibrewala finds her own corners in the world, defying societal norms, becoming the first-generation engineer in her family, and finding her voice through art and community
In a world that often tries to confine us to predetermined roles, Sujata Tibrewala's life is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the unstoppable pursuit of one's dreams. Her journey, spanning continents and transcending societal norms, is a tapestry of courage, creativity and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Rebels Have Curves
Born into a traditional Rajasthani family, Sujata's path was seemingly predetermined – a life of domesticity and subservience. Yet, her appetite for knowledge and her teachers' belief in her potential ignited a spark that would propel her. "I was literally a rebel at the time. And somehow I was able to pave my path being the first generation engineer in the family," she recalls.
Finding Her Corner
Navigating the treacherous waters of cultural expectations and familial duties, Sujata carved out her own spaces – physical and mental – to nurture her ambitions. From her grandmother's puja room to the depths of the art community, and later, the corridors of some of the most iconic tech companies, she found solace in the pursuit of knowledge and self-expression.
“I had to find my own physical corner, which happened to be my grandma’s puja room ... I knew because my grandma would be worshipping almost all day, nobody would come disturb her. None of my siblings would dare to enter that room.”
Artistic Freedom
Amidst the turmoil of a turbulent marriage and health challenges, Sujata discovered her true calling – art. Through her paintings, she gave voice to her deepest emotions, connecting with others on a profound level. Pratibimba, the art platform she founded, became a sanctuary for self-reflection and community-building.
“When you actually go deep and raw into yourself, it reflects on others’ feelings as well, and you are able to connect with others.”
The Quantum Leap
Sujata's exploration of quantum mechanics and Eastern philosophies birthed the "Quantum Connection" series – a body of work that celebrates the interconnectedness of all things. Her art transcended boundaries, reminding us that at our core, we are all waves of energy, inextricably linked.
“We are all connected at a very basic level, and that’s what this Quantum Connection series speaks to.”
Embracing Community
In the world of technology, Sujata found her calling as a community builder, seamlessly blending her technical prowess with her gift for human connection. Her work in the open source community became an extension of her artistic journey, fostering collaboration and empowering others to find their own voices.
“I realized that I was good in connecting with people, and I wanted a job that would marry my strengths: being an engineer, and being able to communicate, and being able to communicate technology.”
Finding Your People
Sujata's journey is a powerful reminder that our paths are not predetermined – they are forged by the courage to listen to our inner voices and the audacity to chart our own course. She emphasizes the importance of voicing your truth, even when others may not understand. "If your friends and family who you're close with, they don't understand it, then they're not your people. Find another set of people," she asserts. Sujata's words encourage us to embrace vulnerability, to share our stories without fear, and to seek out those who not only accept but celebrate our unique gifts. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of connecting with kindred spirits who support and uplift our authentic selves. Sujata's essence shines through her art and her leadership - an unbreakable spirit that lights the way for others to boldly walk their own paths.
“If you’re facing something, you’re feeling something, please say it, please find somebody to talk about that feeling because I’m sure there is somebody else out there experiencing the same thing.”
Sujata Tibrewala's story invites us to embrace our authenticity, to find strength in vulnerability, and to shine a light for others to follow. As she herself says, "We women being in this man's world, we all find our own way to navigate through this. And I am really glad that we get to share each of our journeys because no one's journey is like other ones, everybody's journey is unique."
You can learn more about Sujata and her work, and connect with her, on her website, Pratibimba, or via LinkedIn or Instagram.
So, what is your unique journey? Embrace it, share it, and let your light guide the way for others. In a world that often tries to dim our brilliance, self-proclaimed rebels like Sujata remind us that our stories are worth telling, and our voices deserve to be heard.
